Home Again

Since coming home, I have been trying to keep myself busy and look for jobs. At first, it was hard, but now I have some possibilities. Like a job interview with a company that places people in offices as receptionists, secretaries, etc. either as a temp or part-time or full-time. They told me I will have to take a Microsoft Word and Excel test. Not sure entirely what that will entail but I hope I know enough to pass. They said I would be there for a couple hours and have a short interview after the test. I also might possibly have an interview with Campbell Clinic next week for physical therapy technician! I haven't exactly gotten confirmation but the guy I talked to on the phone sounded pretty promising (if he follows through on his word). I would prefer this job because it'll be much more related to what I'm interested in doing, but the other job would do just fine too. I could learn some more office skills.

I have also been trying to keep myself busy by making some of the recipes from Pinterest that I have found. Like this:

Pan-roasted Chicken with Lemon Garlic Green Beans

It turned out to be really good except I should have marinated the chicken longer for more flavor. Oh well. Next time!

I also made yeast rolls to go with it. They were good as well, but nothing special.

I was able to visit Knoxville last weekend to see all my friends (except Amanda, but that's next weekend!) and attend one of their weddings! It was so good to see them and I had a really good time. Laura and I at the reception:

The beautiful bride, Jenna, and her ecstatic husband, Benjamin!

Memories

Here are some pictures from the last couple week in Peru. I had a great last two weeks and had some good memories.

Some students from my favorite class at the colegio. I know you shouldn't have favorites, but I couldn't help it with this class. I mean, look at those faces!

Making tortugas (turtles) out of styrofoam plates! The kids love art work.

Estela is a wonderful cook! She was like a mom to me when I was in Peru, taking care of me when I got sick, talking to me, helping me with my Spanish, etc. I miss her!

A delicious dish made by Estela! Papa a la huancaina (potatos with a creamy cheese sauce on top) and goat, beans, and rice. Deliciousness!

Nestor and I on a date night out. It was a really good night.

My dinner on date night. Salad with anticuchos (cow heart; I know it sounds gross, but it's really good!), french fries, and sangria. Loved it!

Odana and I on my last friday night at my favorite restaurant, Caramel Cafe.

Returning Home

Returning home and being away from Peru hasn't exactly hit me yet. Although there are a lot of differences such as flushing the toilet paper in the toilet and not putting it in the trash can, I still can't get over that. It's a lot quieter, less dusty meaning I can walk around the house without shoes on which makes me very happy.

Leaving Peru has got to be one of the hardest things I have ever done. Although I know I will go back, it is still hard to be away, especially from Nestor. I am very thankful for today's technology of the internet and skype otherwise this long-distance would be much harder.

It has been great to be home. It's nice to be able to sleep in a soft, comfortable bed and to not wake up to the sounds of chickens. It's nice to be able to have all the right materials for baking and cooking and knowing I don't have to boil my water to make it clean. It's also nice to have my own transportation and not to rely on colectivos, micros, combis, taxis, etc. (Although I do like the public transportation despite the uncomfortableness of it at times, I do like driving my own car.)

I don't know why but I expected to feel different coming home, but so far, I haven't. I feel the same as before I left, apart from the sadness. Maybe I will feel something within time, but it doesn't feel like it so far. Everything just feels the same.

The only downside (apart from missing Peru) is searching for jobs. I don't like searching for jobs, applying, not getting responses, and waiting. Waiting. And more waiting. I want a job as soon as possible without going back to working at a restaurant. I would rather have a better job than that. I've had enough of Olive Garden. I would just also like a different experience. Which means I better get back to the job search.